- Title: CZECH REPUBLIC: Anti-missile shield activist holds hunger strike against US radar
- Date: 22nd May 2008
- Summary: (CEEF) PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC (FILE - MAY 5, 2008) (REUTERS) POLICEMEN AT DEMONSTRATION PETITION TABLE CAR WITH BANNER SUPPORTING RADAR PASSING THE DEMONSTRATION
- Embargoed: 6th June 2008 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Czech Republic, Czech Republic
- Country: Czech Republic
- Topics: International Relations
- Reuters ID: LVA8SP0Z23KPZXL634OCW47GDDOE
- Story Text: Two Czechs opposed to a US radar facility being hosted on Czech soil are taking part in a hunger strike, which is now in its 9th day.
Two Czech men are in the ninth day of a hunger strike, as part of their fight against the installation of a tracking radar on Czech soil, by the United States.
Jan Tamas is a leader of the anti-radar group 'Humanist Movement', and has taken part in numerous demonstrations against the plans for a US missile defence system.
Washington wants to install the radar base 90 km (55 miles) southwest of Prague as well as interceptor rockets in Poland, to protect the United States and its allies from attack by what it calls "rogue states", notably Iran.
Tamas, along with fellow opponent of the radar, Jan Bednar began the hunger strike on May 13th. Tamas says the Czech government's ongoing negotiations with the US is an attack on democracy.
"Our government continues with the talks although they know two thirds of people don't want to see the placing of US bases here," he said in Prague on Wednesday (May 21).
"This is a major issue for us - not only the radar but also concerns about democracy. And that's why we decided on some deeper action to show the government and all the people that something is wrong here....We are afraid that we are returning to an age when politicians decide for us - without us, when they decide against the people's will. This reminds us of the time before the "Velvet Revolution" and we definitely won't return to that," he added.
Tamas said there would need to be a strong sign from the government before he would call off the hunger strike.
"There are three situations in which we would call off the strike immediately: a clear signal about finishing of the talks, if there was the announcement of a referendum, or if we would see the start of a real democratic discussion, which has been missing during the last two years,"
he said.
But while there have been regular demonstrations against the radar, not all Czechs are opposed to it.
Martin Kotas is from the organisation "Pro Radar" (Yes to the radar).
"We think this is all a very politicized subject and we also think that it is the duty of any state to care about its protection. And this system is one of defence. It is necessary to protect our world," he said.
Kotas says the hunger strike is a senseless move.
"I think this is a little bit of an hysterical gesture. This is not very interesting for people after one and half years, and the hunger strike is not watched very closely. And to risk your own health over of such a theme I think is senseless. A lot of people around the world are really hungry and, in my opinion, to evoke such an atmosphere here is useless," he said.
Recent surveys suggest that 60 percent of Czechs are opposed to the radar. The Czech government is still in negotiation with Washington, but an agreement is expected to be signed in June. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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